More electricity demand and lower than usual generation from two renewable sources raises questions about climate targets
Greenhouse gas emissions from Australia’s ageing coal-fired power plants rose slightly in the first half of the year, reversing years of declining pollution from the power section and raising questions about the country’s ability to meet its climate targets.
It meant that while Australia’s total national emissions were down a fraction over the year to March – by 0.6% – they increased in the March quarter and, based on preliminary data, the June quarter., Australia’s emissions are 440.2m tonnes, which is 28.2% less than they were in 2005 – the baseline year against which it has made domestic and international commitments. The Albanese government has legislated a reduction targets of 43% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
The climate change minister, Chris Bowen, said emissions in the March quarter were affected by warmer than average temperatures pushing up electricity demand. The Coalition’s climate spokesman, Ted O’Brien, said the report showed national emissions had increased 1% since Labor came to office. This period, since May 2022, included a period in which emissions rebounded to previous levels after Covid-19 lockdowns in some states cut pollution from transport and some industry. But O’Brien said it showed Labor’s energy plan had “failed”.
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